National Library Card Sign-Up Month 2023
Reading is elemental!
Parkland Community Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind everyone about the valuable resources available with a library card. PCL, along with libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the American Library Association and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card. For those with a card, explore your library’s benefits! Borrow a museum pass, join us for a program, try one of the online databases for genealogy research, read the Wall Street Journal, and try our educational resources.
Thank you to Disney and Pixar for allowing Elemental characters Ember and Wade to help spread the word about the value of a library card during Library Card Sign-up Month 2023.
Get Inspired to Read!
Find your inspiration. Visit your library and find a new favorite book! We recommend these library-themed books.
The Library Fish
Alyssa Capucilli
Illustrated by Gladys Jose
When snow prevents Mr. Hughes from opening the library one day, book-loving Library Fish finds a way to entertain herself and her bookmobile friend.
Ban This Book
Alan Gratz
A fourth grader fights back when, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is challenged by a well-meaning parent and taken off the shelves of her school library. Amy Anne and her lieutenants wage a battle for the books as they start a secret-banned books locker library, make up ridiculous reasons to ban every single book in the library to make a point, and take a stand against censorship.
The Midnight Library
Matt Haig
Somewhere beyond the edge of the universe is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells your life story, and another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you could go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better? Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. She must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life and what makes it worth living in the first place.
Parkland Community Library presents Touch-A-Truck
Kids of all ages will be able to climb aboard and inspect emergency vehicles, construction equipment, and other interesting vehicles!
Held at Springhouse Middle School- 1200 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104, USA.
All programming is sponsored by The Friends of the Parkland Community Library.
Learn more about The Friends on their webpage.
Get in your element!
From borrowing books, eBooks, and audiobooks to getting homework help, learning new skills, or attending a book club or storytime, a library card helps everyone do more of what they enjoy all without stretching their budget.
Events & Programs
All Ages
Get more out of your library by attending free programs and events! Attend an event with your loved ones in one of our bright spaces. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity, a new hobby, or want to meet like-minded people, our programs are available year-round for all ages.
Learning Tools
All Ages
Your library card grants you access to many online learning resources! Our staff has compiled an educational list by age to help you and your family prepare for school and college and thrive through the school year and semesters.
The Library of Things
Adult Card Holders
The Library of Things is a unique collection of non-traditional items, gadgets, and electronics for patrons to borrow. If you’re curious about a specific item, looking to try it before you buy, or have a one-time project, search our Library of Things!
Share your library stories.
How are you celebrating National Library Card Sign-up Month? This August, Parkland Community Library is celebrating our 50th Anniversary! We are calling on our patrons, community partners, and local businesses to celebrate by sharing your photos and experiences on social media. Use the hashtag #PCL50Years
Join us on social media by tagging #MyPCL
This program meets the PA Forward Civil & Social Literacy initiative.
Parkland Community Library has maintained our PA Forward® Gold Star Status by participating in the Pennsylvania Library Association initiative, PA Forward. PA Forward is a statewide initiative under the PA Library Association (PaLA), which works to strengthen the state’s libraries through education, advocacy, and leadership.
Young Critics Book Club
2024 Monthly, on the third Thursday Young Critics Book Club is a monthly book discussion for ages 8-12. We will share ideas for other great reads while enjoying fun activities and snacks. Join us anyway if you did not finish the book. A parent or guardian must be present for this event. January: “Critic’s Choice.”Read…
Senior Book Club
2024 Reading List Senior Book Club meets at 3pm on the second Tuesday of the month at Luther Crest in Allentown. All are welcome. Non-residents may participate with their own copy of the book. Drop-in Event *The reading list is subject to change. PCL Event Calendar January When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, 2016…
PCL Book Club Reading List
2024 Reading List PCL’s book club for adults meets to discuss our latest book pick at 7pm on the third Tuesday of the month. Join us each month for a lively book discussion. New members are welcome! Non-residents may participate with their own copy of the book. Be sure to RSVP on our events calendar.…